Hotel's team aim was to develop the Continental Hotel in Budapest, where the hotel was located in the center of Budapest. The hotel, which blends art nouveau, art deco and modern design, is completely unique, while reflecting the distinctive style of the Hotel chain.
The hotel is built on the site of the former legendary Hungária Spa and the historical Continental Hotel in Budapest's city center.
The nearby Jewish Quarter with its atmospheric streets, market and cultural heritage, including Europe's largest synagogue and the Jewish Museum, together with the area's restaurants and retro bars evoke a special mood that can not be experienced anywhere else in the world.
The hotel's exceptional Araz Restaurant seats 120 people and offers a wide selection of dishes. The menu evokes meals served by the upper-middle class restaurants of the past century, while combining fashionable international delicacies. The Gallery Café with Corporate Lounge.
The Spa of Continental Hotel Budapest has one of the largest and the most state-of-the-art wellness and fitness centers among Budapest hotels. Hotel also catered to conference facilities.
Motto "Enjoy the hospitality!" expresses the desire of the Concierge to make leisure, business and conference hotels feel like at home in what may initially be an unfamiliar city environment by taking care of them.
HISTORY
In the 1820s, the owner of the site where the Hungarian Spa was later, the silk trader, András Gamperl, discovered the cold water in the mineral salts while digging a well, and on May 23, 1827, he opened the Gamperl Iron Spa.
However, the 1838 Pest flood, washed away that first building, and the Pest residents began to refer to the rebuilt spa by the name of Hungaria from the 1840s.
At that time and up until the 1920s, the spa consisted of a huge block bordered by Wesselényi utca, Nyár utca and Klauzál utca (on the plots at Dohány utca 42 and 46 today).
Around 1890, the Nyár utca wing was reconstructed significantly on the plans of Imre Novák , and the bathhouse operating earlier with just 15 tubs was expanded.
In 1897, the Ringer family acquired the Hungária Spa, which had several bathrooms, four rooms and a relaxation garden and turned it into a bathing complex, meeting the modern requirements of that time.
The stone bath, 60 tubs and four steam baths were accessible through Nyár utca, while the entrance to the medicinal public spa with 1,500 cubicles, a buffet and a separate so-called fashion section was from Klauzál utca.
In 1907, Emil Ágoston , drew up the plans for the impressive, modern bathhouse to be built at Dohány utca 44. In 1910, the several-storey building in the style of the Viennese secession was handed over, and in addition to the accustomed bathing facilities. The swimming pool was glass dome was mechanically adjustable, and in fine weather.
In the 1920s the Hungária Spa entered the ownership of Ingatlanbank. In the Nyár utca wing of the spa, the public spa on Klauzál utca was demolished, and in its place a six-story art deco block of flats was built in 1929 based on the plans of László Vágó (today Dohány utca 46).
In the remaining art nouveau-style part of the building, the Kamara Motion Picture Theater opened, which from the 1950s was made for relatively theaters. Performances were given there by the Bányász (later Honvéd) Theater , the Fővárosi Nagy Varieté , and finally the Tarka Stage until 1963.
From 1965 the neighbouring Continental Hotel used some parts of the ever neglected former Hungária Spa, but when the hotel closed its gates in 1970, the spa became more and more rundown.
By the 1980s, the building was in a perilous state, the tiles and majolica ceramics decorating the interior of the spa had been carried off and the homeless people had taken up shelter in the building. During that period, however, the dilapidated building once again enjoyed the art of historical significance when in 1989, with the help of the Studio of Young Artists , the group of artists, later known as the Újlak Group performed there for the first time.
In 1996, a foreign-owned company purchased the sites, and wished to build a 210-room thermal spa hotel in the place of the Hungarian Spa and the former Continental Hotel, which by then had been razed to the ground, preserving the spa's main façade and first staircase. In September 2001, the relevant authorities did not approve the demolition, and asked for guarantees of the protection of the building of the main facade and first staircase.
The committee for the protection of the city image ordered to invest to carry out measures to protect the substance of the building within half a year. The measures were not carried out in the course of the contraception, the swimming pool area was collapsed as a result of the owner's demolition work, so in the summer of 2002, the building was declared to be a safety risk and the owner was obliged to fully demolish the entire rear tract.
In the summer of 2004, the National Ghetto, including the Hungária Spa. On February 7, 2005 the remaining section of the spa was declared a listed building.
Continental Hotel Budapest **** Superior - built on the site of the former Hungaria Bath and Continental Hotel - awaits its guest since 15th June 2010. The official opening ceremony of the building complex 180 years history - was held on the 22nd September 2010.
New four star hotel has 272-room features a variety of rooms. Parquet rooms reflect art deco features, perfect harmony, and fine elegance combining a modern world of colors and forms.
In addition to the standard rooms are offered deluxe and executive rooms and 13 suites, some featured with balconies and complimentary wireless Internet access.
Each room type offers individual and tailor-made services to business and leisure travellers.
All of the rooms are non-smoking.
Hotel’s restaurant concept primarily evokes the cuisine served by the turn-of-the-century bourgeois restaurants, while also offering a selection of fashionable international specialities.
What makes this concept special is that the team serves the favoured delicacies of the period in two separate ranges.
In addition to a selection of dishes offering traditional Hungarian tastes, menu also features culinary delights transformed using the most modern culinary techniques such as the Sous Vide technique. Hungarian gastronomy is just as much an integral part of the Hungarian culture as the country’s musical past, unique language, and artistic and scientific legacy.
One of the world’s first fusion cuisines is the very complex Hungarian cuisine.
Italian influences from the Renaissance times, and later dishes that became widespread during the period of Turkish occupation had an effect on the eating customs and favourite meals of ancestors.
A Special mention should be made of Transylvanian cuisine, which itself is a kind of fusion cuisine (since it combines Hungarian, Romanian, Transylvanian German, Armenian and Jewish dishes among others), and as Pál Kövi writes in his masterwork titled “Transylvanian Feast”: “each enriched the other, and each was enriched by the other…”
The influence of French cuisine on Hungarian cooking is primarily due to József Marchal, the head chef of Emperor Napoleon III, who on his return trained such important figures of Hungarian hospitality as József C. Dobos, Ede Palkovics and Nándor Kedvessy.
“Thanks to them Hungarian cuisine did not rigidly adopt the teachings of the French school of cooking.
Instead they adjusted those teachings with great subtlety to the tastes of the Hungarian audience without Hungarian cuisine losing its original national character”.
The culinary customs of the Germans, Croatians, Serbs, Poles, Ukrainians, Ruthenians, and Romanians who settled in Hungary during the Habsburg period and ethnic groups already present in Hungary, such as the Gypsies and the Greeks also had a significant influence on Hungarian cuisine.
The synergy of all these elements and the original meals and eating habits characteristic of certain regions together shaped the distinguishing dishes of Hungarian cuisine, which like a language, poetry, dances and national costumes need to be preserved and fostered. It is very important that at the same time restaurant's team adapts to the expectations of today. Some of key principles:
- disngalica, domestic herbs and spices, bio vegetables);
- locally produced wines and other types of drink (juices that are handcrafted or made in small-scale production);
- appropriately sized portions (neither under-, nor over-sized), also providing smaller portions at lower prices;
- use of the most up-to-date culinary techniques and adhering to the indispensable safety rules;
- gluten-free dishes and dishes catering to those with food allergies; nourishing, healthy dishes; culinary cocktails;
- simple, back-to-basics approach; “handcrafted” dishes; handmade dough.
In addition to the above naturally dedicated staff with excellent professional abilities and a conscious guest-focused approach are just as important since they assist the management in realising the above principles.
Well-qualified positive-thinking managers with the appropriate professional experience, understanding of people, and team-leading abilities are in charge of the hospitality at hotels.
The restaurant's seating capacity of 120 people is divided into two parts. To the left of the main entrance, on the corner of Nyár utca and Dohány utca is the restaurant`s lounge for guests who would like to have a drink, chat and have less time for culinary pleasures at that particular occasion.
To the right of the main entrance, is the central section of the restaurant, which is kept with the preserved stylistic features of the former Hungária Spa and radiates an art nouveau ambience.
The art nouveau ambience taken from the preserved stylistic features of the former Hungária Spa has the perfect atmosphere for having lunch or dinner, receptions, and even for hosting wedding ceremonies. In the case of large conferences and events also can be used conference room with a seating capacity of 100 people for dining.
LONG-FORGOTTEN MEALS IN NEW PRESENTATION
Ákos Kovács – Restaurant Manager – and Áron Barka – Chef de Cuisine –are offering a new selection of dishes from 9 August 2016 at the Araz Restaurant!
While upholding the Araz image that many are accustomed to by now, they have added the most exquisite masterpieces of Hungarian and French cuisine to the menu. In this manner, forgotten dishes of a bygone period are presented to you, combined with the latest state-of-the-art kitchen technology of the 21st century and the exciting creations of Chef, Áron Barka.
After discovering the tasty appetizers, such as Goose liver trio with toasted butter milk loaf or “A taste from the attic”, composed of domestic 'Hungarikum' products, one notices the Truffle seasoned goulash soup Royal ’16.
At a French dinner evening, Sándor Csíki - an author of Food&Wine - came up with the spontaneous proposal of creating a fine dining goulash soup version modelled on the soup of Paul Bocuse.
The chef stepped up to this opportunity and the final outcome was so splendid that the dish dubbed Goulash Royal ‘16 with truffles is now mentioned as a serious competitor of Paul Bocuse’s Soupe aux truffes noires V.G.E.
Moving on to the entrées, Sole Véronique welcomes you as a surprise, which is once again a classic French dish that has been forgotten by now. It was inspired by the scent and taste of a special type of champagne.
The backbone of this dish is provided by fresh fish, the exhilarating crunchiness of fennel, a bugle of black lentils, the taste of fresh grapes and a smooth butter sauce made from fish bones.
As you keep flipping through the pages, dishes such as Pike pearch a ’la Mornay and unparalleled Tenderloin a ’la kossuth with cognac sauce compete for your attention. Perusing the dessert card, you may recall old favourites of childhood, such as the creamy Cardinal cake or “Women’s whimsy” with its golden apricot jam, as well as Continental cake, inspired by the boundless imagination of chef and team of confectioners.
It is unmatched and exclusive in terms of both appearance and taste. It has a great chance of becoming everyone’s favourite, since it's made from sugar-free and gluten-free ingredients and contains layers of ganache with lavender and white chocolate, dark chocolate mousse with coffee, red cranberry jelly as well as a bastion of macarone which serves as the foundation of the cake. When compiling the menu, the team again tooks special care to providing everyone with dishes which match their taste and needs. The menu also contains vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free and diabetes-friendly dishes.
07.00h - 23.00h
Start the day with a rich and balanced breakfast in accordance with selection of buffet breakfast restaurant!
The restaurant offers guests a wide variety of international and local breakfast specialties, buffet style.
07.00h - 10.30h
For its 6th anniversary Continental Hotel Budapest and Araz Restaurant decided it is time to share cake speciality created by Chef de Cuisine, Áron Barka and confectionery with Guests.
The secret recipe cake contains exclusive components such as lavender flavoured white chocolate ganache, coffee flavoured dark chocolate mousse, cranberry jelly, macaron ‘bastion’.
The Continental cake is available served in slices at Araz Restaurant and at Gallery Café and also could be ordered for special events, such as anniversaries or birthdays.
Gluten-containing ingredients are not included, sugar-free version!
The hotel’s two internal courtyards provide a green oasis in Budapest’s city centre.
Guests can spend pleasant summer evenings sitting on benches in the garden, looking up at the starry sky and listening to music that fits the mood.
The internal courtyard can be turned into an atmospheric terrace to the restaurant in the summer, and is also a suitable location for cocktail parties.
Events catering is a separate category among the extensive range of services offered at the Continental Hotel Budapest****Superior.
Special locations such as the Roof Garden, the Conference Courtyard and the Restaurant with Terrace can be used for many types of event thanks to their unique construction and gardening solutions.
One of the largest wellness and fitness areas among Budapest city centre hotels is located in the building’s roof garden, which provides guests with a real oasis in the bustle of the city centre.
The roof garden and the two internal gardens can be special locations for cocktail parties, standing receptions and other unique events. Conference Courtyard and Restaurant with Terrace are extremely suitable for accompanying events for fewer than 50 people.
Another important element of the hotel’s gastronomic offering is the Gallery Café situated on the faithfully restored gallery level, where the main entrance is found.
The world of Pest coffee houses was a very significant element of the turn-of-the-century bourgeois gastronomy.
Previously, guests of the former Continental Hotel included artists and writers, such as the poet, Attila József, which were regular customers of the Hungaria Coffee House and frequently also used the services of the Hungária Spa.
The Gallery Café of the Restaurant Araz leads its guests to the top of the coffee culture.
The fragrant coffee beans made from the finest beans by perfect roasting provide the basis of coffees which are made with one of the best coffee machines.
The Molinari coffees made with the Elektra coffee machine are characterised by perfection. Enjoy this perfection in the Gallery Café! The menu includes sandwich specialties, various delicious salads and a range of cocktails.
The Corporate Lounge can be also found on the level of the Gallery Café where complimentary internet access is offered to guests.
09.00h - 01.00h
"Who has never belonged to any nation can never belong to the mankind... Only those people can become world citizens, who were the citizens of a county earlier”, - Kodály Zoltán. So that not only the body, but also the soul can find nourishment!
The Araz restaurant of the Continental Hotel Budapest and the Hungarian FolkEmbassy have undertaken a common project.
They have set the objective of including the Hungarian dishes and folk music in the everyday life within the frameworks of a high standard entertainment.
HUNGARIAN TASTE
Here, at the Araz restaurant, guests are expected with traditional Hungarian flavours, with a buffet table selection made up by chef, Barka Áron every Friday, week by week.
The popular Grey Cattle Goulash Soup with Homemade Pinched Noodles, Catfish Stew with Ewe’s Cottage-cheese Pasta, Goose Leg and “Cvekedli” Pasta with Steamed Cabbage, furthermore Poppy-seed Dumplings with Vanilla Sauce come to the table. Dishes are offered with a wine selection - that fits the dishes perfectly - from 3 Hungarian wine regions: Kadarka, Kéknyelű and Rosé wines.
HUNGARIAN MUSIC
Guests can enjoy their meals while listening to non-stop background music, and after 20.00h they can view a presentation of 20 minutes with informative explanations in a few sentences (on request, it is also presented in English, German, Italian and Polish).
With help of the dancers performing within the frameworks of the programme, you can get acquainted with the folk costumes and dances of that certain region, as well as with the traditional or the big string orchestra line-up; two violins, three- or four-stringed violas, dulcimer, bass. The guests can enjoy the folk music of Szatmár, Kalotaszeg, Mezőség and Székely Land and other regions provided by the Hungarian Folk Embassy and its friends under the leading of two Junior Prima Award winners.
HUNGARIAN SOUL
The aim of this evening is to serve not only the foreign guests of the Hotel, but the visitors from Budapest as well. To provide an opportunity for those people, who are keen on refined entertainment of high standards, and last but not least it also offers an elegant meeting place for the representative reception of foreign guests.
At 19.00h
Through out the whole year from Monday to Friday if you have your lunch at the hotel you can choose from two and three courses’ daily menu offers which you can have for 1590 HUF and 1790 HUF. Lunch menu is special, because the dishes are variable.
On Saturday is offered three course menu with lemonade and one glass of wine or beer for 2590 HUF. Is offered free lemonade for guests and high quality is permanent! Erzsébet voucher is accepted as well.
12.00h - 14.30h
Chef de cuisine Áron Barka of Restaurant Araz welcomes his guests every Sunday with a unique gastronomical program in Dohány street.
Sunday brunch is offered for 7.490,- HUF. It not only includes unlimited food consumption but drinks as well from house wine, sodas, juices, mineral water, and lemonade.
In addition, the team will be offering guests the ever so popular children’s corner along with an animator as well as fitting live music.
For guests, having Sunday Brunch, entry to the wellness area is free.
12.00h - 15.00h
The Wellness section on Hotel's Panorama Roof Garden aims to maintain the optimal condition of good comfort and health in harmony of physical, mental and emotional needs.
Continental Hotel Budapest promises the regeneration of your soul and body along with your emotions if you yield to the temptation of wellness programs.
Guests are provided with towels and sauna sheets, as well as shampoo and shower gel at the wellness reception desk upon request. The wellness centre offers individual lockers to male and female guests. The keys are available at the wellness reception desk.
You can enjoy massage and body treatment services in the Massage Salon on the 2nd floor of Continental Hotel Budapest.
For massages and treatments are used marula oil, mud from the Dead Sea, sea algae, sea salts from Bretagne, trace elements, precious essential oils, and thermal water, that are specially prepared for the body.
Separated massage rooms with light background music, aroma- and light effects make your experience even more fulfilling. Please ask for an appointment at the Massage Reception.
Hotel’s Fitness room (80 m2) awaits guests with its high-tech cardio and isotonic machines (treadmill, elliptical and bikes) in one of Budapest’s most exclusive locations!
Unwind in the Wellness area, which is equipped with a in-door swimming pool and jacuzzi.
Outdoor pool open from 1th of April.
Wellness area is equipped with finnish and infra sauna.
One of the largest wellness area among Budapest city centre hotels is located in the building’s roof garden, which provides guests with a real oasis in the bustle of the city centre.
Admire the World Heritage sights of Buda Castle and the Castle District while enjoying a guided walking tour.
Hold your next business meeting in 4* superior hotel! The numerous well-equipped, sunlit, modern and uniquely constructed conference rooms provide an excellent venue for your business meetings and conferences.
The Great Synagogue of Budapest (also known as the Central Synagogue) in Dohány Street is a good starting point to learn about Jewish Budapest.
The total capacity of four soundproof conference rooms is 300 people. Each conference room is equipped with natural lighting, air-conditioning and state-of-the-art audiovisual technology to offer a perfect venue for conferences and business meetings.
The Hungarian National Museum is the oldest public museum in Hungary. The museum's present building was built between 1837 and 1847, and it stands as a great example of Neo-Classicist architecture.
The most beautiful concert hall in Budapest, located along the Danube Promenade in Pest, was completed in 1865, replacing an earlier concert hall destroyed in the Hungarian War of Independence in 1848-1849.
Pets allowed for an extra charge.
Széchenyi Thermal Baths, in Budapest is one of the largest bath complexes in Europe with its 21 pools. Beside the health and wellness services, the entrance ticket includes the use of saunas, gymnastics and aquafitness.
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge is the first permanent bridge over the Danube between Buda and Pest. Built in 1849, it played a major role in the unification of Pest, Buda and Óbuda later in 1873.
All children are welcome. Full fee-paying parents staying in one room, sharing double beds, children under 2 years free of charge.
One child from 0 to 6 years stays free of charge in an extra bed but this option is only available from Executive rooms or Suites upon availability.
One older child or adult is charged EUR 35 per night in an extra bed but this option is only available from Executive rooms or Suites upon availability.
The maximum number of children's cots/cribs in a room is 1. The maximum number of extra beds in a room is 1.
CHILDREN’S CORNER
During Sunday brunch the Restaurant Araz offers guests the ever so popular children’s corner along with an animator. The themed programs are free for children below 6 years, and with 50% discount for children between 6 and 12 years.
CONTINENTAL HOTEL BUDAPEST
Dohány utca 42-44H-1074 BudapestHungary